The Beginner’s Guide to Doing Qualitative Research: How to Get into the Field, Collect Data, and Write Up Your Project

This book provides theoretically grounded, real-world advice for students beginning to learn how to conduct qualitative research. Drawing on Erin Horvat's extensive experience teaching qualitative methods, the text uses students' questions and concerns as an organizational framework. Unlike many textbooks, this one provides students with an inside view into the most common dilemmas and challenges they will face as they start doing research. This easy-to-use book addresses the key phases of any ethnographic project--from beginning a project and defining its aims, to data collection, analysis, writing, and reporting results. While designed specifically for beginners, seasoned qualitative researchers will find useful insights, helpful tips, and new ways of thinking about qualitative research.

Book Features:

• Real-life, engaging research examples with detailed advice.
• A succinct and user-friendly presentation, perfect for course adoptions.
• Lessons from students as they learned how to do qualitative research.
• An appendix with site selection and site prospectus guidelines.

Erin Horvat is associate professor of urban education in the department of teaching and learning at the College of Education, Temple University.